A Catholic Pilgrimage Through South Korea:
13 Days / 11 Nights | Seoul • Chon Jin Am • Solmoe • Haemi • Cheonan • Daegu • Busan • Suwon
A Journey Through the Extraordinary Story of Korean Catholicism
A Church Born from the Faith of Lay People
South Korea offers one of the most remarkable Catholic pilgrimage stories in the world.
Unlike many countries where Christianity first arrived through foreign missionaries, the Catholic faith in Korea took root in an unusual way: Korean scholars and lay believers encountered Catholic writings, studied them, embraced the faith and began forming Christian communities before priests were permanently present among them.
What followed was both extraordinary and costly.
Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, generations of Korean Catholics endured repeated persecution. Lay men and women, families, catechists, priests and missionaries chose martyrdom rather than abandon their faith.
Today, the Church they helped establish is vibrant and visible throughout South Korea.
This pilgrimage follows that story.
Beginning in Seoul, we walk portions of the city’s Catholic pilgrimage routes, visit the great cathedral of Myeongdong and pray at places associated with Korea’s first believers and martyrs. We continue to the birthplace and burial place of St. Andrew Kim Taegon, Korea’s first native Catholic priest, before visiting the great martyr shrines of Haemi and Hanti, a Benedictine monastery, Catholic communities in Daegu and Busan, and some of Korea’s most important historical and cultural treasures. The underlying route brings together Seoul’s pilgrimage roads, martyr shrines, St. Andrew Kim’s holy places, Daegu, Busan and a return to Seoul by high-speed rail.
Alongside the pilgrimage, we experience contemporary Korea: royal palaces, traditional hanok neighborhoods, high-speed trains, Busan’s coast, Korean cuisine, UNESCO sites and the extraordinary contrast between an ancient civilization and one of Asia’s most modern societies.
With opportunities for Holy Mass throughout the journey when possible, this is a pilgrimage not merely into Korea’s past, but into its living Catholic Church.
Why Pilgrimage to South Korea?
The story of Catholicism in Korea challenges our assumptions about how evangelization happens.
The faith did not simply arrive and spread from the top down.
It was sought.
Korean intellectuals encountered Christian texts coming from China. Lay believers began studying Catholic doctrine together. Communities formed. Baptisms took place. And an indigenous desire for the Gospel developed even before a stable clergy could serve the emerging Church.
That makes Korea particularly meaningful for Catholic pilgrims today.
Here we encounter a Church in which lay evangelization, martyrdom, family faith and perseverance are written deeply into its identity.
The itinerary therefore tells a spiritual story:
The Gospel is discovered → lay Catholics form the first communities → persecution begins → martyrs give their lives → a native priesthood emerges → the Church survives → Catholicism becomes a living part of modern Korea.
Pilgrimage Highlights
- Myeongdong Cathedral, spiritual heart of Catholic Seoul
- Walk portions of Seoul’s recognized Catholic pilgrimage routes
- Sites connected with Korea’s earliest Catholic lay leaders
- Seosomun Martyrs’ Shrine
- Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Shrine
- Danggogae and Saenamteo martyr sites
- Chon Jin Am, associated with the beginnings of Korean Catholicism
- St. Andrew Kim Taegon, Korea’s first native priest
- Mirinae Holy Ground and his burial place
- Solmoe, birthplace of St. Andrew Kim
- Historic Gongseri Catholic Church
- Haemi International Sanctuary
- Korean martyrs and the history of religious persecution
- Waegwan Benedictine Abbey
- Hanti Martyrs’ Shrine
- Daegu Cathedral and local Catholic heritage
- Busan Catholic Street
- Namcheon Cathedral
- Seoul, Daegu and Busan
- Traditional Korean cuisine and culture
- Gyeongbokgung Palace
- Bukchon Hanok Village
- Busan’s coast and Gamcheon Culture Village
- High-speed KTX rail journey
- Korean Demilitarized Zone region
- UNESCO heritage sites
- Suwon and Hwaseong Fortress
- Holy Mass when possible according to local church and sanctuary availability
- Spiritual accompaniment for Catholic groups
The Story Behind This Pilgrimage
One of the strongest selling points of this product should be that this is not simply another Asian cultural itinerary with a few churches added.
The Catholic history is substantial enough to carry the entire journey.
South Korea offers something fundamentally different from the classic pilgrimage destinations of Europe.
In Rome we encounter the institutional center of Catholicism.
In the Holy Land we encounter the places of Scripture.
In Spain and France we encounter centuries of Christian civilization.
In Korea, we encounter a missionary Church forged by lay believers and martyrs.
The original route itself reflects this extraordinary density of Catholic heritage: it incorporates a Catholic priest and daily spiritual activities, alongside Seoul’s Catholic pilgrimage roads, numerous martyr shrines, St. Andrew Kim’s birthplace and burial place, Benedictine monastic life, cathedrals and local Catholic communities.
That should be the distinctive identity of the PGT product.
Optional Extensions
Japan: Nagasaki & the Hidden Christians
South Korea combines especially well with a Catholic extension to Japan, where pilgrims can continue the story of Christianity in East Asia through Nagasaki, the Japanese martyrs, the Hidden Christians, St. Maximilian Kolbe and other important sites.
Seoul Extended Stay
Groups may add additional time in Seoul for a more relaxed cultural program, shopping, Korean cuisine and further exploration of the capital.
World Youth Day / Catholic Events
When major Catholic events take place in Korea, the itinerary can be adapted as a pre- or post-event pilgrimage incorporating Seoul and the principal martyr shrines.
Suggested Itinerary
DAY 1 — Departure for South Korea
Departure from the United States on our international flight to Seoul.
As we cross the Pacific, we begin a pilgrimage to a Church whose history was written through extraordinary courage, sacrifice and fidelity.
Meals and overnight in flight.
DAY 2 — Arrival in Seoul
Welcome to Korea
Arrival at Seoul Incheon International Airport.
After immigration and baggage collection, we will be welcomed by our local team and transferred to Seoul.
Our first Catholic encounter introduces us to the story we will follow throughout the pilgrimage, with a visit to Gahoe-dong Catholic Church for prayer and an introduction to Korea’s Christian heritage. The source itinerary places this church as the pilgrimage’s opening Catholic visit before a traditional Korean dinner.
Whenever arrangements permit, we will celebrate our opening Holy Mass.
Tonight we enjoy our first traditional Korean meal and discover the flavors and hospitality of the country that will be our home for the coming days.
Dinner and overnight in Seoul.
DAY 3 — Catholic Seoul
The First Korean Believers & the Martyrs
Today we begin to understand what makes Korean Catholicism so exceptional.
We walk through central Seoul following portions of the city’s Catholic pilgrimage route associated with the emergence of the early Korean Church.
Our principal visit is magnificent Myeongdong Cathedral, the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Seoul and one of the great symbols of Catholicism in Korea.
We will also encounter places associated with early lay Catholics such as John the Baptist Yi Byeok and Thomas Kim Beom-u, figures linked to the beginnings of the faith.
Our pilgrimage continues toward Seosomun Martyrs’ Shrine, where the story changes dramatically from conversion to persecution.
Many Korean Christians gave their lives here rather than renounce Christ. The shrine and museum help us understand the circumstances in which Korean Catholicism developed and the extraordinary role played by lay believers.
We conclude with additional Catholic heritage in Seoul, including Yakhyeon / St. Joseph Church.
The original itinerary specifically structures this day around Seoul’s “Good News” and “Eternal Life” pilgrimage routes and the story of the early lay Church and martyrs.
Holy Mass when possible. Dinner and overnight in Seoul.
DAY 4 — In the Footsteps of the Korean Martyrs
Danggogae • Saenamteo • Jeoldusan • Royal Seoul
Our exploration of Catholic Seoul continues along another pilgrimage path linking important martyrdom sites.
We begin around Danggogae Martyrs’ Shrine and continue toward Saenamteo, recalling Catholics who suffered during the repeated persecutions of the Korean Church.
We then pray at one of Korea’s best-known Catholic memorials:
Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Shrine
During the persecution of 1866, numerous Catholics were executed in this area because of their faith.
Today it is a place of memory, prayer and testimony.
The shrine has subsequently welcomed pilgrims from throughout the world, including St. John Paul II.
After entering deeply into the painful history of Korean Catholicism, the afternoon introduces us to Korea’s wider cultural story.
We visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, the great royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, before exploring Bukchon Hanok Village, with its traditional Korean homes and historic streets.
Holy Mass when possible. Dinner and overnight in Seoul.
DAY 5 — Chon Jin Am
The Birthplace of Korean Catholicism
Today we leave central Seoul for one of the most important places in the history of Christianity in Korea.
Chon Jin Am is closely associated with the beginnings of the Korean Catholic movement.
Here, Korean scholars and laymen gathered to study religious and philosophical texts, including Catholic writings. Those encounters contributed to the extraordinary development of a Christian community led initially by Koreans themselves.
For this reason, Chon Jin Am allows us to contemplate an unusual chapter in Church history:
a people searching for the faith before missionaries could fully bring the institutional Church to them.
We will have time to discover the sanctuary grounds, pray the Way of the Cross, walk through the gardens and reflect upon the missionary vocation of every baptized Catholic.
Return to Seoul.
Holy Mass when possible. Dinner and overnight in Seoul.
DAY 6 — St. Andrew Kim Taegon
Mirinae • Solmoe • Gongseri • Cheonan
Today is dedicated to one of the central figures of Korean Catholicism:
St. Andrew Kim Taegon
Born into a Catholic family during a period of persecution, Andrew Kim became the first native Korean Catholic priest and was eventually martyred for the faith.
Our first stop is Mirinae Holy Ground, associated with his burial and memory.
We will have time for prayer among the sanctuary’s churches, gardens and Rosary paths.
We continue to Solmoe, birthplace of St. Andrew Kim.
Its peaceful landscape provides an appropriate setting in which to reflect upon the vocation of a young man who accepted extraordinary danger in order to bring the sacraments to his people.
Our final pilgrimage stop is Gongseri Catholic Church, an historic Catholic community whose shrine commemorates Korean martyrs.
The source program brings together Mirinae, Solmoe and Gongseri on a single day devoted substantially to St. Andrew Kim and the martyrs before continuing to Cheonan.
Holy Mass when possible. Dinner and overnight in Cheonan.
DAY 7 — Haemi & the Martyrs
Cheonan • Haemi • Waegwan • Daegu
Today we encounter another major place of Korean martyrdom:
Haemi International Sanctuary
During decades of persecution in the 18th and 19th centuries, large numbers of Catholics were killed in this region.
Many were ordinary lay Christians.
Some names are remembered.
Many are not.
Haemi therefore has a particularly powerful spiritual character. It reminds us that sanctity is not limited to famous saints whose biographies have survived. The Church was built equally upon innumerable believers whose names history has forgotten but whom God knows.
Time will be available for prayer and, according to schedules, the Way of the Cross.
We then continue to Waegwan Abbey, home to a Benedictine monastic community.
The change in atmosphere is significant: after remembering the blood of the martyrs, we encounter the continuing life of the Church through monastic prayer.
When possible, we will have the opportunity to pray with the Benedictine community before continuing to Daegu.
Dinner and overnight in Daegu.
DAY 8 — Daegu
Mary & the Martyrs of Hanti
Our pilgrimage through the Korean Church continues in Daegu.
We visit Catholic sites in the Namsan-dong area, including Seongmodang, with its Marian grotto, and Daegu Cathedral, an important landmark of the local Church.
We then travel into the mountains toward the peaceful Hanti Martyrs’ Shrine.
Here we remember Catholics killed during the persecutions of the 19th century.
Surrounded by mountains and forest, Hanti provides one of the pilgrimage’s best opportunities for silence.
Depending upon arrangements, our visit can include a Holy Hour, personal prayer, a walk through the sanctuary grounds and celebration of Holy Mass.
The source itinerary specifically identifies Hanti with 37 recognized martyrs and uses the site for Eucharistic prayer and reflection.
Dinner and overnight in Daegu.
DAY 9 — Daegu • Busan Faith, Memory & the Korean Coast
After breakfast, we travel toward Busan, Korea’s great southern port and second-largest city.
Our visit begins with another important part of Korea’s modern history: the United Nations Memorial Cemetery, dedicated to those who died serving under the United Nations during the Korean War.
We then visit Namcheon Cathedral, an impressive modern Catholic church and an opportunity for prayer within today’s living Korean Church.
After lunch we discover a very different side of Busan at Gamcheon Culture Village, famous for its hillside streets, colorful houses, murals and artistic atmosphere.
Tonight we experience one of Korea’s most characteristic meals with a traditional Korean barbecue dinner.
Holy Mass when possible. Dinner and overnight in Busan.
DAY 10 — Catholic Busan • KTX to Seoul
This morning we continue exploring Busan from a specifically Catholic perspective.
We walk through areas highlighting the city’s Catholic history and local churches, discovering how the faith developed in this great port city.
The program then allows time to enjoy Busan’s spectacular coastline, including a scenic experience overlooking Haeundae.
After lunch, we transfer to the railway station and board Korea’s celebrated KTX high-speed train for our journey back to Seoul.
Arrival and free time for rest or personal exploration.
Dinner and overnight in Seoul.
DAY 11 — Toward the Divided Korea Peace, Division & Prayer
Today introduces one of the most important realities shaping contemporary Korea: the division of the peninsula.
We travel toward the border region and visit the Ganghwa Peace Observatory, from which — according to visibility and access conditions — it is possible to look toward North Korea.
For Catholic pilgrims, this is not merely a geopolitical excursion.
The Korean peninsula remains divided between families, political systems and radically different experiences of religious life.
Our visit invites us to pray particularly for peace, reconciliation, freedom and the Korean people on both sides of the border.
We also discover the ancient Ganghwa Dolmen sites, connecting contemporary Korea with its much older history.
Later we visit the Augustinian Retreat House in the Yeoncheon area, providing a quieter environment for prayer before returning to Seoul.
Holy Mass when possible. Dinner and overnight in Seoul.
DAY 12 — Suwon Korea’s Heritage & Our Final Day
Our final full day takes us to Suwon.
Here we visit magnificent Hwaseong Fortress, one of Korea’s great historic monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its walls, gates and defensive structures provide a final immersion into Korean history and culture.
Depending upon the final group program, there may be opportunities for traditional cultural activities as well as lunch at a local restaurant.
Before returning to Seoul, we will seek an opportunity to visit a local Catholic church for prayer and Holy Mass when possible. The source route likewise concludes its Suwon day with prayer at a local church before returning for the farewell dinner.
Tonight we gather for our farewell dinner.
Over the past days we have encountered royal Korea, contemporary Korea and divided Korea.
But above all, we have encountered Catholic Korea.
Dinner and overnight in Seoul.
DAY 13 — Seoul • Return Home
Breakfast at the hotel.
At the appointed time, transfer to the airport for our return flight to the United States.
We leave Korea carrying the witness of its saints and martyrs with us.
Their history poses a question to every pilgrim:
What would we be willing to sacrifice for our faith?
The Korean martyrs answered that question with their lives.
May our pilgrimage help us answer it through ours.
End of our services.
- Round-trip international airfare from the United States
- Carefully selected hotels
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- Private air-conditioned motorcoach transportation
- KTX high-speed rail from Busan to Seoul
- Professional English-speaking accompanying guide
- Local specialist guides where required
- Airport transfers
- Entrance fees according to the final itinerary
- Headsets where appropriate
- Luggage handling
- Holy Mass throughout the pilgrimage when possible and according to local church availability
- Spiritual activities and opportunities for prayer
- Catholic priest / spiritual director when arranged for the group
- Visits to Catholic shrines, martyr sites and churches
- Pre-departure information and assistance
- Pilgrim Groups Travel support before and throughout the journey
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